Ways to make paramedics job easier

Wellington Free Ambulance has responded to 1656 calls in Wairarapa in the past year, an average of 32 a week, says service delivery manager Rob Ives.

He said Wairarapa was a large, rural area to service "which means dark country roads, long driveways and local names alongside official names".

Paramedics and 111 operators who direct the ambulance crews are experienced at locating patients and properties using sophisticated mapping systems but people can help.

Mr Ives says people hope they never have to make the call but, just like having an earthquake kit or installing smoke alarms, they need to be ready when they dial 111.

"If your mates, or tradespeople have trouble finding your property, you probably need to think about how you can make things easier for all visitors who may need to locate you," he said.

For country dwellers that could mean looking at lighting driveways, displaying their RAPID number on the gate so it could be read from the road. It would also be a "good idea" to keep animals away from driveway entrances.

"Make sure your hedges are trimmed, the path to your house is free of moss or anything we can slip on and turn the lights on so we can see where we are going if it is night time.

"It's pretty simple but it's a great way to help us help you."